Cars

Grin-tastic Hyundai i20 N going toe-to-toe with Ford Fiesta ST

Hyundai i20 N
Hyundai i20 N Hyundai i20 N

HYUNDAI'S hotly-anticipated i20 N hot hatch can be on your driveway in exchange for a fiver less than £25k, writes William Scholes.

Born to give the Ford Fiesta ST a bloody nose, the little Hyundai is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of delivering 201bhp and 203 lb ft of torque.

This propels the i20 N from 0-62mph in a brisk 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 142mph. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

As with the acclaimed i30 N, Hyundai has loaded the i20 N with some serious performance hardware, including a mechanical limited-slip differential and launch control.

The amusingly named 'Grin Control System' is home to five different drive modes, and playing with the car's settings even allows you to tailor the exhaust note.

Hyundai i20 N
Hyundai i20 N Hyundai i20 N

Cosmetically, the i20 N gets a dose of attitude in a similar vein to the company's World Rally Championship cars - matte grey 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers, a large rear wing and a wide grille that features a chequered-flag inspired pattern are part of the package, as are heated sports seats with trademark N blue stitching and a heated sports steering wheel.

Other standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring, a wireless smartphone charging pad and digital dial display.

Hyundai i20 N
Hyundai i20 N Hyundai i20 N

The only options are a contrast black roof, an upgraded Bose sound system and metallic paint.

Hyundai's five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is also included, meaning this little hooligan of a car should be just as reliable as a regular i20.

Hyundai i20 N
Hyundai i20 N Hyundai i20 N